Introduction:
Dubai comprises more than 160 nationalities in various communities. People from all over the world settled in Dubai and took part in its real estate market. The lifestyle of Dubai is full of modern amenities, along with an advanced education system.
As a parent, it is your prime concern to get your child a high-class education system. Dubai Schools consist of various curriculums, and each of them is different from another.
The following article will provide a complete guideline on Dubai’s schools.
Table of Contents
What are schools like in Dubai?
The schooling system in Dubai consists of 90% private schools where expat children go and 10% public schools, which are free for Emirati children, as these schools are complete in Arabic, and English is the secondary language. And there are specific fees for the ex-pat’s children.
Educational Regulatory Bodies:
In the UAE, schools come under the regulation of various bodies. On the federal level, the Ministry of Education (MOE) sets the standards for admission, curricula, and graduation requirements within and in bigger emirates.
Along with that, there are regulatory bodies on an individual level, for example, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and the Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority. (KHDA).
Due to these bodies, you can see the significant educational difference in the emirates. The private schools of Abu Dhabi and Dubai come under the regulatory bodies of ADEK and KHDA, not the Ministry of Education. The private schools in Dubai follow the guidelines given by the MOE but don’t come under the direct supervision of the government.
Is Dubai good for kids' education?
Yes, Dubai is good for kid’s education. Though compulsory schooling starts at the age of 6, many parents enrol their kids in preschool at the age of 3 or 5. Private and public both preschools are co-educational.
Many schools offer K-12 education, so the child may always keep the school the same. Primary education starts at the age of 6 to 11, from grades 1 to 5. Students should know math, science, English, Arabic, and social studies.
Where does Dubai rank in the global education system?
According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Dubai schools ranked 45th globally and highest in the Gulf countries; the ranking took place in May 2015.
Does Dubai have Public Schools?
Yes, almost 10% of schools in Dubai are public schools where only Emiratis enrol for free, like kinds of Dubai Transportation. Whereas expats have to pay a certain amount of fee. For the enrollment of a child, parents have to contact the educational council of their region, and then they have to submit the documents along with the application. The necessary documents are as follows:
- Passports
- Residence permits
- Rent contracts
- Transcripts
Is public school free in Dubai?
As mentioned earlier, the public schools in Dubai are free for the Emiratis, and expats have to pay the fees, which come under the supervision of the Ministry of Education.
How Much Does it Cost to Go to School in Dubai?
It is expensive to afford education in Dubai, especially for expats. The cost of the tuition fee is significant. The fees for a public school in UAE are pretty costly for the expats; the fees a parent has to pay is around 6,000 AED per year, and for the expats looking to enroll their children in private schools, the fees vary from grade to grade. It ranges from 2700 AED in kindergarten and high school to around 70,000 AED.
But one positive aspect is that the government schools offer financial help and have their scholarship program and discount offers. The higher education fees for expats are a real deal. One thing that can happen is the fee negotiation to be paid directly by your employer.
What is the most Affordable School in Dubai?
The following are the few affordable schools in Dubai.
- St. Mary’s Catholic School.
- Indian High School
- English Language Private School.
- The Elite English School
- Gulf Indian High School
How Much is a Private School in Dubai?
There are various fee structures for private schools in Dubai according to the Cost of Living in Dubai. For the year 2022-2023, the tuition fee rate for the Pre-KG is $15,250, the KG-1 $16 136, KG-2 $17,615, and the grade 1 to 12 is $22 490. The facility fee per year from the class K2-12 is $3,535. Schools also charge a capital fee of $5,991, which you can pay within three years, and you have to pay fees in UAE Dirhams.
How Much Does an Indian School Cost in Dubai?
An Indian school fee in Dubai starts from AED 10,000 to 15,000 for the class KG 1, which includes the first term, second term, and third term school fees, along with the 10-month tuition fees. It goes up to grades 8, 9, and 10. It starts from AED 17,285 and has 1st, 2nd, and 3rd term fees along with the 10-month fees, which are also AED 17,285, respectively.
How Much are the British School Fees in Dubai?
One of the top British schools in Dubai is King’s School Dubai, and the school’s fees are pretty high. $11,600 (AED 42,734) in Foundation Stage 1 to $17,700 (AED 65,037) in Year Six, respectively. That school has a good reputation for academic achievements, art, and sports.
How Much Does it Cost to Go to an American School in Dubai?
The Repton School Dubai is an American school with only 15% Emirati students. The education is holistic and has many more activities, including sports. The fee of the American school is $25,800 (AED 95,000) a year at sixth form level.
Which School Has the Highest Fees in Dubai?
Kings School Al Barsha has the highest fee in Dubai. It is the top 17 most expensive schools on the KHDA portal, and the fee for 13-grade students is Dh 109,596 per year; there is a discount on the tuition fees, up to 9.03%.
Which is the No. 1 School in Dubai?
Brighton College Dubai is the best school according to the parent’s survey. It comes under the best 32-ranking schools in UAE and the Best Premium School in Dubai. Brighton College Dubai is a Best of School, a ranking determined by parent surveys on the site. It comes in the following Best of rankings: #32 in Best Schools in the UAE. #17 in Best Premium Schools in Dubai.
What are the Best Schools in Dubai?
- Dubai British School Jumeirah Park.
- Dubai College.
- Dubai English Speaking School (DESS)
- Jebel Ali School (formerly Jebel Ali Primary School)
- Nord Anglia International School Dubai.
- Royal Grammar School Guildford in Dubai (RGSG Dubai)
- North London Collegiate School Dubai.
How Long is the School Day in Dubai?
For the students in higher grades, their classes start at 8:30 am. The kids finish school near 2.50 pm, and the 11 and 12 grade students will leave at 3:30 pm.
What Time Do Schools Start in Dubai?
School starts in Dubai between 7 am and 7:30, So they must wake up between 5:30 am and 6:30 am to calculate the travel time.
When Do Schools Finish in Dubai?
School in Dubai starts in September and ends in June. There are two breaks: summer break and two short breaks.
What Month Does School Start in Dubai?
According to KHDA, Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority, the private schools will open on 28 August. For the year 2023-2024.
What is the O-level of Schools in Dubai?
O levels are the globally recognized curriculum, equal to the IGCSE education system in Dubai and the UK GCSE system. Students can choose the subjects of their preferences and create their subject combination from the 40 O-level subjects.
How Many British Curriculum Schools are there in the UAE?
There is a list of 185 best British curriculum schools in the UAE.
Are there any IB Schools in Dubai?
International Baccalaureate (IB) has the vision of a better education system in Dubai. Though there are the best schools in Dubai over the last decade in the Emirates, the IB has gained much popularity.
The following are the few best IB schools in Dubai.
- Jumeirah Baccalaureate School.
- Duau International Academy
- Gems World Academy
- Raffles World Academy
- Uptown International School
Which are the CBSE Schools in Dubai?
There are 82 schools in the UAE, and TIAD is one of the best CBSE schools in Dubai. It has Pre-KG to Grade 12. The following are the few CBSE schools in Dubai.
- The Central School Dubai
- The Elite English School.
- The Emirates National School Sharjah
- The Indian Academy Dubai
What are American Schools in Dubai?
Schools in Dubai that follow the American curriculum are known as American schools, which provide a high-class education to those who live in the UAE. American schools are like the US educational system and provide the best inclusive learning environment.
The following are the few American curriculum-based schools in Dubai.
- American School of Dubai (ASD)
- Dubai American Academy (DAA)
- Universal American School (UAS)
- American International School (AIS) in Dubai
- Gems American Academy Dubai
Which Curriculum is the Best in Dubai?
In Dubai, the UK curriculum-based schools are the best choice in private schools. According to KHDA’s study, 36% of students prefer the British school system. Besides that, the Indian curriculum stands second with 26% and 15% of American schools.
Is It Reasonable to Buy a Home Next to the school?
A good neighborhood is always a secure choice to have schools as it shows low crime rates, also the same for international real estate company. It’s better to have a school near your apartment so that you can have a safe walk, and it has many other benefits for families with children.
What are the Affordable Neighborhoods Near Schools in Dubai?
Some of the most affordable neighbourhoods in Dubai are based on rent near schools and nurseries. Following are the affordable residential areas for the kids to have nearby schools:
- Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC),
- Al Barsha
- Deira,
- Al Qusais,
- Muhaisnah,
- Al Karama
- Nad Al Sheba.
FAQs
The medium of instruction in Dubai public schools is English.
Yes, for the people who are citizens of Dubai and belong to Emirati families have free government schools whereas the expat students have to pay the fee and they will be selected on the basis of merit.
British, O-level, American, Indian, and French are some of the curricula offered in Dubai.
Usually, the day starts at 7:30 am and ends at 2:30 pm.
The academic year starts in August.
The fees vary from the private schools. Pre-schools have nearly AED 42,000 and AED 72,000. But the fees vary with schools and grades.
Yes, it is. It’s more secure and safe for the kids. It’s better to have an affordable neighborhood near the school.
Communities within JVC, Al Barsha, Deira, and Al Qusais. There are many other affordable neighborhoods.
Conclusion
Private Schools in Dubai depend upon various curricula, whereas the public schools are for Emirati students for free, whereas the expats have to pay a certain fee. However, the cost and the fees in schools are expensive.
British schools are the top and most preferred schools. Indian schools come second, followed by American schools. Higher education is more expensive for expats, whereas Emirati students have no university fees.
